The Importance of Eye Contact in Dog Training
Eye contact is the most important technique used in dog training to bring out a higher level of understanding in your dog. People who have practiced this type of training have really seen an amazing level of focused attention in their dog. If you learn how to incorporate eye contact into your dog training for attention sessions, then you will find your pet always looking to you for guidance and behaving exactly how you would love him to everyday.
To begin the dog training for attention exercise, you need to use your dog’s name as the initial attention getter. To make him look at you each time you call for him you can display a quick movement that will immediately draw his attention.
First thing is first. You must say his name to get focused attention in your dog. Display a quick movement after you call to him for a definite response to his name. This will make him look at you. If he comes to you then you can pull out one of the treats you had hidden. Make sure the treats are always hidden so your dog will constantly respond in the same way instead of just during the obvious “training time”.
Bring the treat up to your eyes to make his gaze land on your stare. Once he gets eye contact idea, reward him with praise and the treat. Increase the seconds you make him lock eyes with you for each treat. Always repeat the successful trials 3-5 times to make the exercise common knowledge for your dog.
If your puppy is new to you then you can try to hand feed him his kibble for the first few weeks of living with you. Just use his kibble for the exercises. Once your dog gets good at making eye contact, you can wean him off of food and treats for praise and just use verbal positive rewards.
Once he masters the first exercise and the focused attention in your dog has been steadily maintained, then you can throw in a couple of distractions. Start by calling his name from other rooms. Make sure he meets your eyes upon greeting you there. Then play with his toy. If he wants to jump in on the fun just say his name again to bring his gaze to your stare before letting him join. Be consistent in every exercise you do so your dog does not get confused.
The last part of the dog training for attention exercise requires your friend’s assistance. Have someone else offer your dog some food. Interject immediately on their moment by saying his name. Wait for him to make eye contact with you and then praise him greatly for doing so. Even give the offered food to him out of your own hand as a reward. If he fails to look at you after calling for him then separate yourself where he can see you pout for a few minutes. Your friend is never to give him any food during the whole exercise. Try the entire process again until your dog behaves as he should. After several successful outcomes you know you have focused attention in your dog and all of the dog training for attention methods have worked.
Once you have become successful in getting your dog to give you focused attention, your relationship with your dog will greatly improve. He will be tuning into your emotions, and you will learn about his personality as well. The two of you will be communicating and forming a strong bond. It is a very humane way to train your dog.
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